Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A PC for as low as P10,800? Would you get one? I posted this blog about 5 months ago and I saw recently one of the shops continued to advertise this deal but a little higher now about P11,000 and I am not sure if it has the same exact specs but its worth checking out against other deals. Also check out the computer locations in my blogs noted at end as well as a cheap shop to assemble your own computer with a processor higher than a Atom processor. Read the full details of this deal of the day at http://daybargain.blogspot.com/2009/11/deal-of-day-philippine-desktop-computer.html

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Higher-Resolution Screens on Nokia’s and H-P’s Inexpensive Laptops Show More of What’s Online,

Like clockwork, retailers were ready for Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 7 release last week with new desktops, laptops and netbooks, those inexpensive, smaller laptops that have become popular in the past year. Included in this selection of netbooks are some that improved the poor screen resolutions that have plagued these tiny PCs.Review: HP Mini 311 vs. Nokia Booklet 3G

HP Mini 311 now on sale for Php28,990

Now that didn’t took so long — the HP Mini 311 is now available and selling for Php28,990 in Complink and eHub stores. This according to a couple people who bought it this week-end.

Check out my computer stores in Manila and Cebu to find the locations http://laptopsphilippines.blogspot.com/

WSJ’s Katherine Boehret tests Nokia’s first netbook, the Booklet 3G, and the HP Mini 311. She finds the high-resolution netbooks each have their benefits.

Screen resolution isn’t the same as the size of the screen itself. Rather, it is related to the number of pixels—or distinct dots—on a display, and an indication of how much material can be seen on the screen without scrolling. A higher-resolution screen allows you to see more of a Web page, spreadsheet or list of emails than a lower-resolution screen, even if both are the same physical size.

Because higher-resolution screens cost more, most netbooks come with low-resolution screens to keep prices down. But poor resolution combined with a small netbook screen results in frustrating visuals, like Web pages that display just a small portion of their contents, forcing you to scroll down or horizontally to see the rest of the page.=-This week, I tested two Windows 7 netbooks with unusually high-res screens: Hewlett-Packard Co.’s HP Mini 311 with an 11.6-inch screen and a resolution of 1,366-by-768 pixels, and Nokia Corp.’s Booklet 3G with a 10.1-inch screen and a resolution of 1,280-by-720-pixels. Both these small computers display the bulk of most Web pages without any scrolling necessary—a big relief on a netbook.

-Though high-resolution screens make these netbooks easier on the eyes than others, I still had trouble adjusting to their shrunken features. I liked typing on the HP Mini’s generous keyboard, which H-P says is 92% of full size. But its touchpad buttons felt stiff and uncomfortably located at the edge of the computer. The Nokia Booklet had the opposite problem: Its touchpad and buttons worked fine, but its tiny keys made me feel like I was typing on a kiddie computer. To read more click herehttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574499482752219744.html-Comment: The small keyboard and the small screen on these netbooks makes me still prefer the 15.4 inch best buy ASUS F52Q I found http://laptopsphilippines.blogspot.com/

New Models From Motorola, HTC and BlackBerry Read the NY Times review herehttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/29/technology/personaltech/29pogue.html?hpw

As USB flash drives continue to get faster and provide increasing amounts of storage capacity, you can use them for more than just backing up files and documents. You can actually run a ton of applications right from your flash drive, which can come in handy when you’re on the road outside your office or home. There are some popular suites of flash drive apps, such as PortableApps, which we’ve covered before. There recently announced freeware portable apps for popular packages such as Google Chrome, Skype and even uTorrent. However, PortableApps is not the only game in town these days. http://portableapps.com/-NirLauncherNirLauncher is another impressive suite of portable apps that are easy to launch from your USB flash drive. It includes the entire collection of useful Systernals troubleshooting tools. The author makes the process of setting up all of these apps easy, with a file named systernals.nlp that you simply copy to the Systernals folder.

LiberKeyLiberKey offers a super-slick interface with three different packages of portable apps, including audio, file management, graphics, Internet, office, security and networking tools. Here’s a list of all the applications available.

Of course, you don’t need to have an app suite launcher to install portable apps on your USB flash drive. You can simply copy them to your flash drive manually. For example, i.Scribe is a fully functional email client that you can run from you flash drive. Just drag it to your stick and you’ll be able to read and compose email messages. It also includes a calendar, address book and supports many plugins.

It’s a good idea to add anti-virus protection to your USB flash drive. Avira AntiVir Personal is a free anti-virus program that you can install on your flash drive.

There are numerous portable versions of browsers that you can use on your flash drive. The most popular are Portable Firefox, Portable Google Chrome, Portable Opera and Avant Portable Browser.

Portable OS in Your PocketYou can actually install a stripped-down version of Windows XP on your USB flash drive thanks to software like BartPE (Bart’s Preinstalled Environment) which makes the process extremely less painful and more efficient.

If you prefer to roll with a Linux-flavored operating system, instead of a mini-Windows, then you can do so with the help of PendriveLinux.com. You can select just about any type of Linux, such as Debian, Ubuntu, and many more. You can find ready-to-burn Live CD images here on The LiveCD list and UNetbootin.

How about Mac OS? Yes, that’s possible too, although you’ll need a USB drive that is 8 GB or larger.Virtual OS on a Stick

VMware is the leading innovator of virtual operating systems. It started by developing a way to install multiple operating systems on a single desktop but eventually found its niche by offering a platform to host multiple virtual servers instead of just desktops operating systems. It now provides a way to install a complete virtual operating system on a USB flash drive with a product called VMWare ACE. Not only can you run everything you run on a normal full-blown desktop or laptop, but it also provides connectivity back to your company’s network via a secure VPN. Thus, you can pop your flash drive in any computer with Internet access and work on your own customized desktop and even access your files and documents on your corporate LAN. Read the complete article here http://www.nytimes.com/external/gigaom/2009/10/27/27gigaom-how-to-carry-your-office-on-a-stick-usb-flash-dri-62969.html

Also check out this blog for a similiar article and it has lots of photoshttp://webworkerdaily.com/2009/10/27/how-to-carry-your-office-on-a-stick-usb-flash-drive/

Gartner reports PC shipments are beginning to bounce back in the thirdquarter of the year.

The PC industry performed better than expected as worldwide PC shipmentstotaled 80.9 million units in the third quarter of 2009, a 0.5 percentincrease from the third quarter of 2008, according to preliminary results byGartner. Gartner had expected PC shipments.-For Christmas you may want to consider a computer or laptop for a present. SM Cyber Zone is a good place to start and the many Cyber shops at the GILMORE LRT station in Manila all in one location. Also check out the current issue of Buy and Sell as they often have lots of cheap computer deals. And there is lots of computer stores listed in the directory for Manila and Cebu below. Online you can check out ebay philippines, Sulit classifieds as noted in the following posts in this blog

What you print, and how much of it you print, should guide your buying decision. We explain how to choose a printer that’s appropriate for your needs.-No matter how digital our lives become, printers remain essential in any office and convenient at home for schoolwork, maps, fliers, and photos. PC World tests and reviews three types of printers–inkjets, color lasers, and snapshot models–on an ongoing basis. We also regularly test multifunction printers, both inkjet and laser. No matter which kind of printer you’re looking for, here’s the information you need to make a well-informed purchase.-The Big Picture From inexpensive snapshot units and inkjets to high-end color lasers, printers are designed to do different jobs. Here’s how they stack up, feature by feature.-Key Specs Explained We unravel the mysteries of print speed, print quality, cost of ownership, and maximum resolution–and tell you which specs are really important.-Printer Shopping Tips Whether you want an inkjet to print documents and newsletters at home, a snapshot printer to output photos and postcards, or a laser printer to take care of the needs of your whole office, we have recommendations to make your purchase easier. Read the full original article here http://www.pcworld.com/article/132936/how_to_buy_a_printer.html

For a list of computer shops to buy read another posting in this blog on Manila and Cebu computer stores

Tags: Philippines how to buy computer printer, where to buy computer printer in philippines, manila, cebu-

In one of the blogs yesterday I saw a statement from a foreigner that he could not locate any laptop batteries here in the Philippines and I am posting this ad for one that repairs the batteries. Also you can often find batteries listed in ebay.ph or sulit classified ads or offshore at ebay for a shipping charge. Links are below

There is a store that does reputable laptop battery repacking but they take a week or so to do a job.The shop is located at the ground floor (straight to the back then the store on your right which sells some surplus stuff) of Gilmore Comm. Plaza located near the corner of Gilmore and Aurora Ave, New Manila, QC. Sorry I didn’t remember the store’s name nor phone number.

Another store is the battery shop (you’ll know it when you see it) at the 4th floor of V-Mall, Greenhills. Also in V-Mall is the gadget “booth” selling MP3 players, cameras, etc near the elevator. They charge P450/cell. No idea on the quality of work though.

I have a SmartBro internet connection (not very happy though). I plan to buy a wireless router so I can go to my bedroom and do my internet stuff from there. I troubleshoot first before I’m able to connect to my internet.

Go to http://reviews.cnet.com/4566-3319_7-0.ht%E2%80%A6 and click Editors’ Rating in the sort sequence.

My personal choice is a Netgear WGT624 v3. It’s fairly inexpensive and has been very reliable. Used it with both DSL and cable modems. Read his complete article herehttp://getadult.us/?p=5865

But don’t forget to check out the routers and access points at CDRKing here in the Philippines. You will find that they now have new products wireless N routers which is much faster than the old standard of G at 56kbps and with N you can get 300 kbps if you have a laptop that has N and most newer laptops do have it. But in case your laptop is older, CDRKing also has N USB plugins for older laptops to get the faster speed. So make sure the router or access point (no LAN plug in extra ports) make sure it is N capable.

CDRKING website is here and they are in all the major cities here in PhilippinesTheir website is here http://www.cdrking.com.ph/my review here http://cdrkingph.wordpress.com/

but other computer shops can also be found with your favorite brand check out these linksfor Manila Computer stores and Cebu Computer stores in this blog just search through the articles.

Or if in Manila ride the MRT to the Gilmore station where about 30 computer stores are on one corner

Manila Here is one at Gilmore station PC Gilmore but after you get there you will find so many more computer stores in the same block and across the street so convenient, remember some are on 2nd and 3rd floors too.

I found a nice laptop and thought I would share my find with my readers. What I like about this model is it has a larger LCD screen 15.6 inch and it has Intel with core 2 and wireless N (faster at over 300 kbps than old G wireless 54 kbps) and a HDMI connection to your LCD tv to allow you to watch video or programs or youtube on your home LCD from your laptop internet connection. I bought a laptop last year Asus EEE 1000H and it was only 12 inch screen and was a good buy but I found the screen too small for my old eyes and the keyboard a little smaller than normal keyboard but did have wireless N and very light and portable.

Intel, along with Commission for Philippine Information and Communications Technology (CICT), announced today a low-cost PC dubbed as Nettop ng Bayan 2.0.

The updated version of the Nettop ng Bayan (thus the 2.0) is aimed at first-time PC buyers especially those who don’t want to spend much for a PC that’s only going to be used for surfing the web or other online activities.

The P10,800 Nettop ng Bayan 2.0 will have the basic specs of:Intel Atom Processor80GB Hardisk1GB MemoryKeyboard and MouseLCD MonitorThere’s no OS included nor an optical drive at that price but dealers can give you options to have them as well as upgrade some parts such as HD, memory, internet plan, etc.The chassis and monitor size may differ between dealers but the listed specs are the basic that they agreed with Intel to sell for P10,800.

Gmartin12 asked the Answer Line forum for advice before talking a notebook overseas.

Let’s start with the good news: You don’t have to worry about an Internet connection. That was a problem back in the days of dial-up modems, because phone systems vary between countries, and because your local ISP would have been one very expensive toll call. But ethernet and WiFi are international standards, and if your hotel doesn’t offer Internet access, a nearby café will. (Although if you have a lot of work to do and only a café to do it in, be careful about the carbs and caffeine.)The biggest issues you’ll actually have to face are bringing your laptop across international borders, and plugging it into a power socket.

Info world article at http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/your-laptop-and-international-travel-129

FOTO-LINE EXPRESS, INCORPORATEDBinamira Building 6 Gorordo Avenue 6000 Cebu City CebuPhone: +63(32)2310081Primary Category:Office Supplies Other Categories:Blueprinters, Computer Equipment And SuppliesClick this link to search other cities and locations here in the Philippines http://www.eyp.ph/Just click this link to see all the computer stores in Cebuhttp://www.eyp.ph/search?catid=17959&loc=Cebu&locid=11576&q=computers

There are always questions being raised from friends on where to get a low cost non brand name computer and I came across this company that has several Philippine locations and makes it easy for customers to contact them by SUN cell if your a low cost guy like me, or chat with them online and even online decide what components you want in your computer. They have several low voltage models today, allowing you to go green, one only burning 60 watts on the main computer. Their warranties are fairly long for cpu 2 years I think.

http://www.buyqube.com/ for store locations but can be shipped all over the country http://www.buyqube.com/ContactUs.htm

I have bought many units from the Cebu location and they have a good warranty and replacementChat with them on their website or call them on SUN too.

There are many computer stores in the Philippines but one of the lowest prices I found in my many shopping around for a place to get good prices, I found CDRKing. They have webcams, memory sticks, batteries, scanners and a so much else. The problems I found here is they are not using a scanner checkout (strange for a computer store right?) and doing everything by hand and there is always long lines to wait.

CDR King is growing fast with new varied products which customers love including blank cds and dvds. With new electronic cameras, larger drives for mp4, computer phones, and now even batteries for nokia cell phones (now mostly out of stock but still shown in the online catalog) it shows there is a huge demand for these products at reasonable prices! Keep up the great product line expansion and great prices. And the website is excellent! And the instant chats with technicians are good but the inventory and stock availability is so old fashioned for a modern tech selling firm like CDRKING.

But if ur seeking computer parts bargains, you can’t beat the prices of CDR King so check out their online site for what you want and then head to their store but be prepared to have it out of stock and long lines waiting. If only they developed a new business model for customer service hehe.They do have most of the drivers and some manuals for their products online just click here to see what they haveTheir branches are all over the Philippines, find where one is near you at this linkAlso check consumer reviews at my blog on CDR Kinghttp://cdrkingph.wordpress.com/